Malta•EuropeMSRP — Malta Startup Residence Programme (MSRP)
At a Glance
Varies
EUR €1,550
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Three-year Malta residence permit for non-EU startup founders, co-founders and core employees, renewable for a further five years.
The Malta Startup Residence Programme (MSRP) is a dedicated route run by Malta Enterprise and Residency Malta for non-EU founders, co-founders and core employees of innovative startups setting up in Malta. Beneficiaries get an initial three-year residence permit, renewable for a further five years if the startup remains active.
The startup must be under seven years old, place at least EUR 25,000 in tangible investment or paid-up share capital, and secure Malta Enterprise endorsement of its business plan in an innovative sector (software, biotech, advanced manufacturing, eco/green). Each applicant needs a full-time employment contract with the startup paying at least EUR 30,000 gross per year, plus Maltese tax residence.
This visa is ideal for non-EU startup founders with an innovative, scalable business who are ready to incorporate in Malta and leverage EU market access while building their venture.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
MaltaEU Long-Term Residence Status
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a third-country national (non-EU/EEA/Swiss); nationals of Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, DRC, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen and Venezuela are non-qualifying.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a founder, co-founder or core employee (with specialised skills) of a qualifying startup.
Startup must be registered for no more than 7 years globally (including Malta).
Startup must not have taken over another enterprise or been formed via a merger.
Startup must engage in innovative activity (manufacturing, software, biotech/life sciences, eco/green/blue industries, or other novel knowledge/technology-enabled activity).
Startup must place tangible investment and/or paid-up share capital of at least EUR 25,000 (additional EUR 10,000 per co-founder beyond four; maximum six co-founders).
Business plan must be approved by Malta Enterprise and comply with National FDI Screening requirements.
Each applicant must have a full-time employment contract with the startup in Malta with minimum gross annual salary of EUR 30,000.
Must reside in Malta as primary residence and become locally tax resident.
Must hold recognised health insurance covering Malta and other European countries for self and dependants.
No criminal record or pending criminal charges; no previous rejected residency/citizenship applications in Malta or abroad.
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
30,000 EUR/yr
Investment
25,000 EUR
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
MSRP application form (submitted via Residency Malta Client Portal)
Business plan endorsed by Malta Enterprise
Proof of tangible investment or paid-up share capital of at least EUR 25,000 in the Maltese startup
Certificate of incorporation of the Maltese startup
Market cap table evidencing founder/co-founder status
Full-time employment contract with the startup (minimum EUR 30,000 gross annual salary)
Valid passport for each applicant and dependant
Recognised health insurance policy covering Malta and other European countries
Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements)
Police conduct certificate / criminal record clearance
Proof of accommodation in Malta
Marriage/birth certificates and supporting documents for dependants
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Three-year permit renewable for a further five years (8 years total)
- EU/Schengen access while building and scaling the startup
- Low capital threshold (EUR 25,000) compared to typical golden-visa routes
- Family included - spouse/partner, minor and dependent adult children
- English-language business environment with dedicated Malta Enterprise support
- Non-dilutive support measures available via Malta Enterprise
Worth Knowing
- Business plan must be endorsed by Malta Enterprise before approval
- Requires full-time EUR 30,000+ salary employment contract with the startup
- Must become Maltese tax resident and maintain physical presence in Malta
- Strict due diligence; prior residency/citizenship refusals are disqualifying
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are non-qualifying (programme is for third-country nationals only)
- Nationals of Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, DRC, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen and Venezuela are non-qualifying
- Startups older than 7 years globally, or formed via merger/takeover, are non-qualifying
Application Process
Develop business plan and submit to Malta Enterprise for endorsement (innovative activity, scalable)
Incorporate the startup in Malta and place tangible investment / paid-up share capital of at least EUR 25,000
Submit MSRP application via the Residency Malta Client Portal with founders, co-founders, core employees and family members
Undergo due diligence by Residency Malta Agency (background, financial, criminal checks)
Upon approval, register founders/co-founders as employees of the Maltese startup
Collect 3-year residence permits and Identita ID cards; maintain primary residence and tax residency in Malta
After 3 years, apply for a 5-year extension subject to startup still operating and ongoing qualification
Application Forms
Go to application portal| Malta Startup Residence Programme application (submitted online via Residency Malta Client Portal) | — |
Related visas
More visas in Malta
Residency visas in other countries
- Stamp 4 Residency
Ireland
- EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Germany
- Economic Residence
San Marino
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